How to Pose, Old School Style

I was looking through a book on Old Master portraiture the other day and found myself completely fascinated by the way everybody posed back then. Their body language, their relationship with the person painting them (and by extension, the viewer) -- every detail was choreographed to reveal as much as possible about their personality. I wondered, were there standard "go-to" poses that still hold true today?

Why yes. There are. :)

1. The School of Superiority

(1580. King James I by Arnold Van Brounckhorst.)

Overall Attitude:

"Don't even."

Works Best if:

You are extremely confident.

Purpose:

To make both the photographer and the viewer feel that they're not worthy.

Chief Characteristics:

Stony gaze. Arched eyebrows.

Angled hand draws attention to minuteness of waist.

(2012. Via The Sartorialist.)

2. The School of Vulnerability

(1626-1627. Rembrandt, "A Bust of a Man in a Gorget and Cap.")

Overall Attitude:

"Don't look at me. No, look at me."

Works Best If:

You want to project strength with a side of vulnerability.

Purpose:

To present a conflicting duality of character, both a reluctance to be

the subject and at the same time satisfy a desire for attention.

Defining Characteristics:

Body in profile, but head turned forward to engage viewer. Gaze is direct but wary.

(2011. Daphne Guinness by Saga Sig, via here.)

3. The School of Lust

(Artist unknown.)

Overall Attitude:

"I think you know what I want."

Works Best If:

You are slightly drunk.

Purpose:

To telegraph your core message: I. Want. You. Now.

Defining Characteristics:

Head slightly tilted. Lips apart. Direct gaze.

Wide-brimmed hat throws features into shadow.

(2011. Photo by Saga Sig, via here.)

4. The School of Vermeer

(1669. "The Geographer" by Vermeer.)

Overall Attitude:

"Now where was I...?"

Works Best If:

You are being cajoled into posing for a picture.

Purpose:

To make the subject appear deep/lost in thought.

Chief Characteristics:

Always near a window so face can be lit by half-light. Deep contemplation.

Seemingly oblivious to photographer.

(2011. Kate Spade via The Selby.)

(2012. David Netto by Lisa Borgnes Giramonti.)

5. The School of Reluctance

(c. 1600. Portrait of King James I. Artist unknown.)

Overall Attitude:

"How long do I have to sit here?"

Works Best If:

You have a nation to rule/bicycle to ride.

Purpose:

To convey impatience.

"You said this wouldn't take long."

Defining Characteristics:

Head propped up by hand. World-weary attitude.

The moodier the background, the better. Facial hair a plus.

(2012. Piero by Lisa Borgnes Giramonti.)

Creative Exercise: Why not try to recreate one of the following poses on your own?

(1743. Jacques Louis David. Portrait of Monsieur Lavoisier and his wife.)

(1791. Jacques-Louis David. "Portrait of Madame Trudaine.")

(1609. Peter Paul Rubens. "The Artist and his Wife".)

(1630. Franz Hals. Portrait of Willem Van Heythuysen.)

(1842. Ingres, "Cherubimi.")